Earlier this month the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League called attention to the rising death count on our streets of not only bike riders but pedestrians as well.
A few days later, a 7-year-old girl died after she was struck by a car while riding an e-bike. Officials say she was not wearing a helmet.
Last week a community bike ride was taken over by a group of teens on motorized bikes, who witnesses say broke the rules of the road and even collided with a police car.
The Conversation spoke to Travis Counsell, the executive director of the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League. He said that so far this year, there have been 33 fatalities, compared to 25 at this time last year.
"Our younger population, as well as our kūpuna are the most at risk on our roadways, and it's definitely alarming to see those numbers continue to climb," he said.
Counsell added that no vehicle is involved in about half of bike crashes. He encouraged everyone to wear a helmet and look out for obstacles like potholes and barriers.
"It's everybody's responsibility, whether you're driving, walking, using the roadway in any way, to really emphasize that safety. Slow down, look for each other, and share the road with aloha."
This interview aired on The Conversation on March 31, 2025. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m.
